The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting, a good night's sleep is crucial. Cots are a great option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However they can be a bit heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're on the move.
We tested and scored 10 of the best cots for durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
Getting a good night's rest on the trail is vital to enjoying your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a cot. When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that is lightweight and provides an adequate amount of support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most popular. They are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other types of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, choosing the right cot for your needs is key. For those who are primarily backpackers, look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be carried in your backpack. For those who are combining car camping and backpacking think about something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a plush option, the top-rated cots on this list are all designed to be as like a traditional mattress as they can. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, but they're still easy to carry and set up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the materials and construction of the cot when selecting one. Flimsy fabrics are prone to rips and tears so look for a cot with high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Look for features such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for many years to come.
A cot should also have an adequate amount of cushioning, to protect you against the hard, uncomfortable surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent your feet from sinking. A cot should also be wide and long enough to accommodate your height. Look for a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity to ensure it can support your body, especially if you're traveling with a spouse or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold flat and take up very little space in a pack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are less heavy than other options for camp bedding, which is an advantage when you are taking long hikes and longer backcountry excursions. When you consider how much time you're spending packing and unpacking your gear the ability to move a cot around is a significant factor in its overall score.
Depending on the model you select, it may take a few minutes to unroll and put up the bed. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets, or other features that can help you minimize the amount of time you spend building your bed.
The most flexible cots are those with legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them to different terrain conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether to keep them steady in windy or stormy weather. They're especially suitable for backpacking trips, as the security of your shelter may be compromised by uneven or unstable ground.
Consider how often you will use the cot as well as the place you intend to camp when choosing a cot. Cots with a light design and compact fold are great for backpacking, while cots with a heavy-duty construction and a bigger sleeping area are better suited to car camping or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot mostly at home, you should consider investing in a set bedding that is specifically made for the type of cot you own. This includes fitted and flat sheets, as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice when you're looking for a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's ideal for all types of camping. It folds into a case resembling the camping chair, and has straps for easy transportation. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping area of our top picks. However, its strong frames and sturdy materials make it a good choice for most camping trips.
Ease of Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set up than other sleeping equipment. This is because they require you to put them up on a level surface, which is difficult to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars across their feet and head that you may need to be careful not to hit when you sleep.
Thankfully, the best cots that we tested are easy to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a huge relief since you don't have to worry about how to secure them. Some have simple folding designs and require only a few clicks. Traditional cots are a different story. You must assemble the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which requires an enormous amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set up, meaning it can be used both for camping in a car or tent camping. It can also be used on backpacking trips. It's heavier than the average cot but it packs down to a size that's about similar to the carry case for a folding camp chair. It's also extremely durable, being made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and strong aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It's a unibody design that eliminates bars across the head and feet. This makes it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot is foldable down to a size comparable to the size of your preferred backpack. It's heavier than other cots we've tested, however it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set up. best crib takes only the time of a few minutes to unfold and snap into place and then a few tugs to break it down. The legs lock in place using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can be able to stand up to the rigors of use. These cots are constructed of durable materials like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it does not tear under the weight of a sleeping individual. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester that is heavy duty and can withstand wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones like pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping, as they keep you off the ground, comfortable, and safe from bugs and other animals who might be swarming in your campsite at night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping mats and foam bags for hiking or backpacking. Not all cots offer the same comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to use alongside them. This can be a huge problem, particularly for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots, like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them more comfortable, so you can get an excellent night's sleep and don't have to carry a sleeping pad with you. This cot is large and bulky so it may be difficult to fit into the tent, even though it is spacious enough.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminum frame offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who took it on backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
They're also great for guests who are staying in your home and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to a camper, RV or any other vehicle with a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than an air mattress or tent, so you won't have to be concerned whether they explode or shift during the middle of night.